Today, as we were being briefed about all the work Compassion is doing in Kenya and other parts of the world, I realized for the first time that I was part of something much bigger than I had anticipated. God is using Compassion International in some incredible ways to change the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental trajectory of children around the world. I thank God that Trinity Church (where I serve) is privileged to play a small part. I am grateful to God for the Church to Church partnership. Today was a busy day for us. We spent all of the day at one of the Child Sponsorship Programs in East Nairobi. I am still amazed how they do so much with so little resources. I believe the resources enhance the dream that it already present and evident. I am convinced, however, that even if the resources were not on the table, this ministry would continue serving the disenfranchised in its community.
Walking through their compound today, I could hear the thunderous roars and heart piercing shrieks of poverty all around the children, trying to frighten them off their path of hope and destiny, yet I saw these precious treasures combat and even out duel destitution with songs of hope, words of truth and smiles of holy resolve. As I looked closely, right outside their haven of hope, I could see squalor, with its crooked fingers beckoning them to come and throw their lives on the pile heap of rubbish, yet by the power of Jesus, I saw these sons and daughters of the King shut the door and keep out the devil; they shut the door and kept the devil in the night. They lit a candle and they knew everything would be all right. As I held them tightly, I felt their hearts quaking and quivering from fear of the unknown and an uncertain future, yet I saw these leaders in the making look fear and doubt in the eyes and boldly declare: “I will be a doctor.” “I will be a psychologist.” “I will be an accountant.” “I will be a teacher.”
As we looked in each of their faces today, we didn’t see children from a distant country to be pitied. These are our children, who deserved to be loved. We are part of the village. Though these children belong to their mothers and fathers, these are our children. I saw our kids’ faces in their faces. I saw our kids’ smiles in their smiles. I heard our kids’ laughter in their laughter. I felt our kids’ fears in their fears. I felt our kids hopes and dreams in their hopes and dreams. These are not children from a distant country; these are our children—Marvin Jr., Vivek, Micah, Kiran and Mikayla. They deserve, not a handout, but a leg up and opportunity to make a difference in the world.
tom felten on May 4, 2012 at 9:52 am
Marvin, it’s beautiful to see believers in Jesus serving others this way. Thanks so much for your example. A young woman I know is returning soon from an 8-month missions experience. She’s been serving, most recently, in Kenya—loving and helping the poor and needy. May we all look around us—in our communities—and the seen the needs God would have us address. And, yes, may we also consider the needs of those around the world!